Marsh Barton

Marsh Barton – Reference 14 (Strategic policy)

A site of 90 hectares at Marsh Barton is identified for a mixed-use development delivering approximately 1,000 homes and employment floor-space in phases up to 2040.  The development must support the achievement of net zero and accord with the Liveable Exeter Principles to deliver a compact and well-connected neighbourhood, incorporating the highest standards of design.

The following will be required: 

1. A housing mix built to optimal densities taking account of local context and the Exeter Density Study, which meets a wide range of housing needs including: 

1. 35% affordable homes for eligible households with a local connection or key workers, of which 50% will be for social rent, 13% for affordable rent, 25% for First Homes with a discount of 30% on market prices and the remainder for additional affordable homeownership;
2. Custom and self-build plots;
3. At least 10% of market homes and 10% of affordable homes built to meet wheelchair adaptable standards and all other homes built to meet accessible and adaptable standards;
4. A range of dwelling sizes that takes account of local need; and
5. A 70 unit extra care housing scheme. 

B. The re-provision of existing levels of employment space at higher densities to make more efficient use of land, including:

1. A mix of new forms of employment provision to meet the needs of the transformational sectors, including work hubs, collaborative workspace and live-work schemes; and
2. Provision of start-up units for small and medium enterprises. 

C. A locally accessible neighbourhood centre including:

1. Public realm that provides space for community and cultural activities;
2. A community building with hall, meeting rooms and flexible space for potential library provision, youth, adult’s services, children’s services and cultural activities;
3. New surgery providing GP, pharmacy and other community healthcare or contributions to GP provision;
4. Retail or commercial units;
5. A work hub;
6. A mobility hub; and
7. An all-through school including early years, primary, secondary and special educational needs and communal space for children's centre service provision;
8. Potential transformational, strategic, anchor facility including commercial, leisure, cultural, sport or civic uses. 

D. Transport infrastructure to deliver a low-car development:

1. A layout in accordance with active design principles comprising a dense network of active travel routes which link to existing routes, Marsh Barton and St Thomas stations and the neighbourhood centre;
2. High quality north-south and east-west active travel routes; 
3. The safeguarding of the disused railway line for use as an active travel and potential emergency access and egress route; 
4. The provision of improved active travel and public transport access at Tan Lane under the Great West Mainline towards Water Lane;
5. The provision of active travel improvements to the existing underbridge under the Great West Mainline linking to Water Lane; 
6. Contributions to off-site active travel routes including priority schemes in the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan;
7. A mobility hub to provide for public transport, active travel and shared mobility;
8. Provision of infrastructure for, and contributions to, public transport; and
9. Electric vehicle charging points throughout the site.

E. Enhancement of the natural environment and Green Infrastructure:

1. Green Infrastructure provision in accordance with the Green Infrastructure Strategy including contributions to off-site provision;
2. A mix of open space provision including for sport and recreation;
3. High quality green infrastructure improvements to the Alphin Brook and linking to the Exeter Ship Canal and Riverside Valley Park; 
4. On-site provision of allotments; 
5. Mitigation contributions to ensure no adverse effect on the European Sites, in accordance with requirements set out in the South-east Devon Mitigation Strategy; and
6. Biodiversity enhancements.

F. An energy strategy that minimises carbon emissions (both operational and embodied), incorporates renewable and low carbon energy generation and helps to deliver, and connect to, local energy networks.

G. Appropriate measures to respond to, and ensure the continued operation of, the high voltage power network.

H. Appropriate flood risk mitigation:

1. A layout informed by a detailed flood risk assessment which addresses flood risk from all sources ensuring a consistency of approach with Water Lane;
2. Sustainable Urban Drainage to mitigate against flood risk; 
3. Provision of the necessary infrastructure to help deliver the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan; and
4. An emergency access and egress route and access bridge over the Great Western Mainline linking to Water Lane.

I. Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment:

1. A layout informed by archaeological and heritage assessment, evaluation and mitigation; and
2. A built form that protects the settings of all nearby listed buildings.